Unthinkable only weeks ago, the Eels head into Monday’s blockbuster against Wests Tigers with three players — Hayne, Hopoate and Peats — being closely studied by Blues coach Laurie Daley and his advisers.

Parramatta Eels players Will Hopoate, Jarryd Hayne and Nathan Peats are in the frame for State of Origin.Source: News Limited

Hopoate has just returned from two years out of the game as a missionary, while Peats started in only two of 16 NRL appearances for South Sydney last year.

But Hayne insists both would be at home in the Origin cauldron, which opens on May 28 in Brisbane.

The Eels skipper also revealed he was happy to play out of position at right centre, and up against Queensland superstar Greg Inglis, if required.

Parramatta Eels players Will Hopoate, Jarryd Hayne and Nathan Peats are in the frame for State of Origin.Source: News Limited

“If given the call-up, Hoppa and Peatsy certainly won’t let anyone down,’’ Hayne said. “It’s great to see them both being considered for NSW. It’s a testament to how hard they’re working ­behind the scenes.

“I think for Peatsy, coming to Parra­matta from Souths, he really has something to prove. He wants to show the Bunnies what they’re missing. And for Hoppa to come back the way he has after being away two years, it’s testament to his work ethic. Will has an incredible desire to be successful.”

Stuck behind Issac Luke at the Rabbitohs, Peats still managed to earn a representative debut with NSW City last year when drafted in as an 11th-hour replacement for the injured ­Robbie Farah.

And with the Wests Tigers rake now battling to overcome a dislocated elbow in time for Origin, Peats — in contention with Michael Ennis and Kurt Gidley — has received heavyweight support from Blues greats including Andrew Johns, Benny Elias and Paul Sironen.

Parramatta Eels players Will Hopoate, Jarryd Hayne and Nathan Peats are in the frame for State of Origin.Source: News Limited

Hopoate, meanwhile, is also in line to be recalled to the centre spot he held for a game in 2011. City coach Brad Fittler recently revealed his plans to “fast-track” the youngster back into Origin footy.

“That was humbling, to hear that from a rugby league great,’’ Hopoate said. “In saying that, my focus right now has to stay on playing consistent, focused footy with Parramatta.

“I’m not sure I’m playing well enough for that arena but it’s still a while away yet, and if it happens it happens.

“Coming back after two years, it’s been a challenge. But the staff and the boys here at the Eels have really supported me.”

Rival coaches back Nathan Peats for Blues number nine
1:12

Eels hooker Nathan Peats is quickly winning fans well beyond Parramatta and rival coaches Michael Maguire and Geoff Toovey have told NRL 360 he should be on Laurie Daley's radar as Robbie Farah fights to be fit for Origin I.

Fox Sports

17 Apr 2014

Sport/NRL/NRL Premiership/Previews & Reviews

Despite coming off consecutive wooden spoons, the Eels have emerged as the genuine surprise packets.

With Farah sidelined, they will start favourites on Monday in a match that, should they win, will take them to within four points of their entire tally for last year.

Asked about their amazing change in fortunes, Hayne credited new coach Brad Arthur, who returned to the club after Ricky Stuart walked out to take up a lucrative deal in Canberra.

“If you miss something in a defensive drill, he’s onto you. Miss something in ballwork, he’s onto you. Brad has been like that since day one — that’s his mentality, his attitude, the boys know that and really respect it.”

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